KARL Henry today insisted Wolves are itching for another crack at the Championship next season before adding a note of caution: "We know it's going to be far from easy."

Wolves' excellent first season under Mick McCarthy resulted in the club unexpectedly reaching the play-off semi finals before exiting to Albion, and with the squad staying together hopes are already high for going one better next time around.

Henry welcomes that added expectation as a challenge to be relished, but is well aware Wolves will need just as much perspiration as inspiration in what is always such a testing league.

"I think everyone will be relishing the competition and looking forward to next season," said the fit-again midfielder. "I think we finished on a high last season.

"It was unfortunate the way we went out because that last game (with Albion) was probably one of the worst we'd played. But we'd done so well during the season, the last few months especially to push on and stay in there, and we're just looking to build on that now.

"Of course it's going to be difficult. No one should be getting ahead of themselves and thinking because we got in the top six last season and have now got a bit of backing from the takeover all of a sudden it's going to be easy. That won't be the case.

"We are well aware we will have to go out and really work for every three points we get next season.

"The fact that expectation will be higher means teams will be coming here just like last season, maybe even more so, and looking to turn us over. We've got to be prepared for that."

Henry himself was a picture of consistency in both midfield and at right back until a bruised spleen brought a premature end to his season in March.

The midfield - where Wolves now boast a relative embarrassment of riches - is his favoured position but given the likelihood of more new signings and more competition for places he's not about to get choosy.

He added: "We all know with so many players pushing for positions it's going to be difficult to get into the team and with more players joining it can only be healthy for the team.

"It's good that there is quality being brought in to add to the squad and that there will be such competition for places.

"I'm sure all the lads feel the same - people are happy to be playing week-in week-out but it certainly keeps you on your toes and makes you work that little bit harder when you know someone's breathing down their neck.

"I don't know what the manager's plans in terms of my position but I'll just be back in tomorrow ready to work my nuts off and see what happens."